'Leaving no one behind' is a core value embedded in the UN Agenda 2030. This principle is powerfully embodied in the Our Collections Matter (OCM) initiative. This forward-looking online capacity-building programme helps break geographical barriers, enabling organizations from around the World to delve deep into learning about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and consolidate their contribution to SDGs through on-site collections-based practice. Backed by the initiative's '3T' (tools, training, and transformation) and supported by an extensive network of institutional partners, OCM Field Projects participating organizations can evaluate and strengthen their efforts in connecting SDGs and collections using OCM resources like the OCM Toolkit and OCM Self-Assessment Tool.
Today, we spotlight the successes of eight distinctive collections-based organizations across the World and feature two of them from Argentina and Trinidad and Tobago, to demonstrate how heritage collections can inspire meaningful connections and drive forward the SDGs.
Reimagining: Museo Nacional de Arte Oriental, Argentina
The Museo Nacional de Arte Oriental (MNAO) in Argentina teamed up with the Associación Japonesa en la Argentina to implement the project titled 'My Own East'. Home to over 3 000 objects, ranging from everyday life and decorative objects from China, Japan, India, Korea and other Asian and Northern African countries, the MNAO’s collections reflect centuries-old connections between Argentina and different cultures. Many of these items, purchased by European collectors, made their way to Argentina.
Tomás Dotta, the museum's Chief Operating Officer, began this project by inviting nisei 二世 ('second generation') - the elderly children of Japanese immigrants who were born or raised in the Americas – to offer new interpretations and relate their personal histories with Japanese heritage objects at MNAO. Through interviews, encounters with objects, and data collection, participants shared their personal stories adding new layers of meaning to the objects, enabling the museum to evaluate the contemporary meaning of the 'Orient'.
The My Own East project not only enriched the museum’s collection but also addressed SDG target 10.2, which focuses on empowering and promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all. Building on this success, MNAO plans to expand further its community-based projects to engage the museum's collections and Korean and Chinese communities in Buenos Aires, creating a more insclusive and representative museum experience.
Securing longevity of heritage library collections and widening user access: The National Library of Trinidad and Tobago
In Trinidad and Tobago, Vernice N.C. Phillip, a Librarian at the Heritage Library Division of the National Library and Information System Authority, took advantage of the OCM initiative to create transparent and well-rounded guidelines for conserving the Library’s collection while improving access for a wider audience.
The Heritage Library houses a variety of collections, including documents of national importance, rare books, and other historical artifacts. Phillip’s project focused on safeguarding these collections for future generations by mitigating risks such as theft, damage, and natural disasters. She also prioritized enhancing community engagement through workshops, tours, public programs, and conferences—creating a space where stakeholders from all ages and backgrounds could connect with the library’s treasures.
In line with the commitment to cultural participation and social inclusion, the project addressed multiple SDG targets, including SDG targets 11.4, 16.10, and 16.B. By establishing strong conservation guidelines and fostering public engagement, the Heritage Library is now better equipped to preserve its collections for generations to come.
These two projects are just some examples. The OCM initiative has supported a range of inspiring projects worldwide, each of which strengthens the relationship between cultural heritage and the SDGs.
Explore all the recently concluded and further OCM Field Projects
These projects demonstrate the transformative power of collections-based practices in achieving sustainable development. See all of them: OCM Field Projects